Dwight Howard reportedly open to joining Clippers

Everyone has been trying to figure out what the future is for Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard. With him set to be a free agent at season’s end, Howard has some control and has told his current club that he only has three teams on his wish list: the LA Lakers, the New Jersey Nets and the Dallas Mavericks.

Now, you can add the LA Clippers to that list according to Chris Sheridan over at SheridanHoops.com.

“He’s been watching them a lot. He’s intrigued by the Clippers,” said the source, who is privy to the trade talks that have taken place between all of the aforementioned teams.”

Sheridan goes on to say that Howard will likely remain with the Magic for the entire regular season and the most likely way he could end up with the Clips would be in the offseason via sign-and-trade.

But if you’re Magic GM Otis Smith, any discussions with LA would have to begin with Blake Griffin as part of the deal something they don’t want any part of.

Even before the season, Clippers GM Neil Olshey boasted, “I can guarantee you (Blake) will only ever be a Clipper.”

And there’s also this from ESPNLosAngeles.com:

A league source told ESPNLosAngeles.com’s Ramona Shelburne that the Magic haven’t had any serious discussions with the Clippers about Howard since the lockout was lifted.

But why would LA immediately shut down the idea of trading Griffin in a package for Howard? It would be a fantastic deal if they gave up Griffin along with DeAndre Jordan for the all-star center. While the team is Lob City right now with lots of excitement, pairing the best big man in the game along with Chris Paul would give the Clippers their best chance to win a championship in the next decade.